Frequently Asked Questions

How does my high-efficiency lavatory faucet or faucet accessory earn the WaterSense label?

The first step toward obtaining the WaterSense label is for the
product manufacturer to enter into a WaterSense
partnership agreement with EPA. Manufacturers can sign a WaterSense
partnership agreement with EPA once a draft specification has been
released for a product they produce or manufacture under a private
label. Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will have
12 months to obtain certification for a product that conforms to
the relevant WaterSense specification.

A listing of EPA licensed certifying
bodies is posted on the WaterSense Web site or may be obtained
from the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367). Certifying
bodies are approved for each individual specification, so be sure
to choose one that is licensed to the High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet
Specification.

Can I use a WaterSense labeled faucet accessory to meet the flow
rate criteria contained in the specification? Does my faucet still
need to be tested?

A lavatory faucet is considered to meet the flow rate requirement
contained in the specification if it is equipped with a lavatory
faucet accessory that meets the flow rate requirement. In this case,
it is up to the discretion of the licensed certifying body to determine
whether the entire faucet needs to be tested. EPA anticipates that
in most cases, further testing may not be necessary. The licensed
certifying body may still conduct a review and may require you to
produce evidence that you are using a high-efficiency lavatory faucet
accessory that meets the specification criteria. All high-efficiency
lavatory faucets, regardless of whether the entire faucet is tested
or just the faucet accessory, must be evaluated, certified, and
listed by a licensed product certifying body in order to earn the
WaterSense label and be listed on EPA's Web registry of WaterSense
labeled products.

How much will product certification cost?

The cost structure for product certification is determined by the
licensed certifying bodies. EPA anticipates that the testing fee
and cost for certification of products, which may include opening
a new certification file or adding models to an existing file, will
be in line with the current cost structure to have plumbing products
certified by an accredited certifying body.

How long will certification take?

The exact process and timing will be determined by the licensed
certifying body conducting the certification. Licensed certifying
bodies recognize that time to market is an important consideration
and will compete for a manufacturer's business in this area. EPA
anticipates that the time to achieve product certification to WaterSense
specifications will be similar to the time it currently takes to
get plumbing products certified to American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) and other relevant standards.

How will consumers know my product has been certified?

Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are allowed
to bear the WaterSense label. In addition, EPA maintains a Web
registry of WaterSense labeled products. To get your products
included on this list you must submit to EPA a new certified
product notification form for each certified model. EPA will
verify the product certification information with the licensed certifying
body that conducted the certification. This process, from notification
to listing on the WaterSense Web site, may take up to two weeks.

I am an overseas manufacturer looking to get my products certified
for WaterSense. Will there be certifying bodies in my country that
can conduct the certification?

WaterSense anticipates that at least some of its licensed
certifying bodies will have offices worldwide with the capability
to conduct product certifications for WaterSense. Please keep in
mind, however, that to be eligible for the WaterSense label, you
must sell or intend to sell products in the United States that meet
the relevant WaterSense specification
within one year of partnership with EPA. Please contact one or more
of EPA's licensed certifying bodies to determine if they certify
products in your area.

Will this certification process apply to all products?

EPA will require all WaterSense labeled products to be
certified by a licensed certifying body. EPA may, however, adjust
the specific certification requirements as appropriate for individual
product categories.